Exchange Controls:
-
There are no exchange controls
in Ireland. Any sums of money in any currency can be freely brought
into or taken out of the country without disclosure or other
formalities.
Credit Cards:
-
Eurocard/Europay/EDC/Master Card/Maestro, Visa/Electron
are accepted widely in Ireland. American
Express and Diners Club cards are accepted by some establishments.
All of these cards are accepted by at least 2 of the main Irish
ATM's/cash dispensers (AIB, Bank of Ireland, Cashere, Irish Permanent),
however it might be more difficult to find one that accepts American
Express cards. ATM's are easy to find in urban areas and most larger grocery
stores.
Eurocheques:
-
The Eurocheque limit in Ireland is IEP 140. Retailers and
banks in Ireland only accept personal cheques in standard Eurocheque
format, supported with an Eurocheque card. Personal cheques in
non-Eurocheque format drawn on banks in Great Britain, Northern
Ireland, USA, etc. are not accepted by retailers or banks in
Ireland. Most retailers accept payment by Eurocheque.
Traveller's Checks
-
Traveller's checks in American dollars, British Pounds and
Euros are readily cashed at any bank. Most banks will cash traveller's
checks of other standard world currencies such as the Japanese Yen, but you'll
avoid uncertainty if you stick to U.S. and major European currencies. Hotels
will usually cash traveller's checks in the big four
currencies, but they'll take a hefty transaction fee.
-
If you're planning to stay at Bed and Breakfasts, change your
own money to be on the safe side. The major airports (Dublin,
Shannon, Cork) all have banks with exchange windows.
Western Union
-
Western Union services are available at the Tourist Offices throughout the
country for sending and receiving funds around the world.
Currency
The European Economic and Monetary Union Euro (EUR), or simply the "Euro" is
the new monetary unit adopted by eleven EU (European Union) Member States as a
single shared currency. It is Euro and cent for both singular and plurl amounts, such as five Euro and 10 cent.
As of 1 January 2002 all cash transactions
must
be in Euro and the Euro notes and coins are the official currency of Ireland.
There are 7 euro notes. In different colors and sizes they are denominated in
500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euro. The designs are symbolic for Europe's
architectural heritage. They do not represent any existing monuments. Windows
and gateways dominate the front side of each banknote as symbols of the spirit
of openness and cooperation in the EU.
The reverse side of each banknote features a bridge from a particular age, a
metaphor for communication among the people of Europe and between Europe and
the rest of the world. Final designs were announced in December 1996 at the
Dublin, European Council. All notes carry advanced security features.
There are 100 cents to the euro and coins are in denominations of 1,
2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents plus a 1 and 2 euro coin. The coins
have their value and euro cent marking one side and each country has their own design and name on the other side.